HOLIDAY makers are to benefit from a second low budget airline based at Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Planet Air will initially fly to four popular European destinations in Spain, Portugal and Tenerife with prices for a one way ticket starting at less than £50.

The airline will at first operate only during the peak summer months, but is expected to add a winter schedule and more destinations in a year's time.

Planet Air is the second budget airline to set up at the airport in just three months - with the first, Jet2 now flying to seven European destinations.

Yorkshire brothers, Mike and Philip Firth, who set up Planet Air, believe the flight only service will appeal to independent travellers as well as the increasing number of people who own or rent villas and apartments abroad.

They aim to offer low cost and flexible flights to the thousands of people who at the moment have to travel to Manchester Airport.

Philip Firth, Planet Air's managing director, has been in the travel and holiday business for more than 30 years, including three years as head of marketing and business development at Leeds Bradford Airport.

It was during his time at Leeds Bradford that he developed the idea for Planet Air.

"I said at that time I believed there was scope to attract far more passengers to the airport and even then I could see the gap in the market that Planet Air will be filling.

"We are confidently expecting to carry more than 60,000 passengers a year, so that will fulfil not only a personal promise, but a business dream."

Mr Firth said Planet Air hoped to attract some of the around two million people from Yorkshire and the Humber who flew to Europe from Manchester Airport every year. "Within our main catchment area, North and West Yorkshire, more than 700,000 people fly to our four destinations from other airports, mostly from Manchester. But for passengers flying from Leeds Bradford International Airport, it's more convenient to get to, less hassle when they are there, easier car parking if its needed, and with Planet Air, most flights will depart and return during the daytime."

Planet Air will use a 167 seater aircraft and will start off by flying to Malaga four times every week, Faro twice every week and Alicante and Tenerife once every week.

All the flights will co-incide with change over days for villa and apartment holidays.

Company chairman, Mike Firth, a business entrepreneur, who launched the Yorkshire International Business Convention, added: "There are two things people know about me. Firstly, I don't take unnecessary business risks and secondly, when I pay for a service I expect to get it, and both those facts are what Planet Air will be all about.

"We know we will particularly appeal to the growing number of people who own or rent villas and apartments, but also those who want the independence and flexibility of organising their own holiday and flights to suit their plans rather than those of some large charter operation.

"Because we are a flight only service and only operate on the peak holiday departure dates during peak holiday periods, we have an extremely low cost base, so we can afford to pass on that benefit to our passengers in a friendly and flexible service. That's why I know Planet Air is not a business gamble. Everyone is a winner, but particularly our passengers."

Rob Lund, head of operations at Leeds Bradford Airport, said it was good news for the airport and for travellers.

"It is excellent news, we're very excited about it. We've got Jet2 and now we're going to have Planet Air."

Mr Lund said he hoped it would mean not as many people having to travel to Manchester Airport.

"It's good news for the airport and good news for people in the area."

Mr Lund said he expected the airline to look at increasing the number of flights and destinations.

At the moment people flying to Greece still have to go to Manchester Airport. Mr Lund said Greece was not a popular destination for Yorkshire people, but there was scope to add the country to future new destinations.

Planet Air has teamed up with Leeds Co-op Travel which will handle sales at its 18 offices in the airport's catchment area. There will also be a call centre for passengers to book flights by telephone.

Tickets will also be sold at independent travel agents and flight only outlets. Internet bookings will be available from February.

l The airline's first flight is due to be to Tenerife on April 11. Planet Air's booking office will open from January 15. Before then people can reserve seats by telephoning (0845) 0606666.